University of Kentucky students, student organizations, faculty and staff may now raise funds for innovative UK programs and initiatives through a new, convenient, university-wide crowdfunding platform — Big Blue Crowdfunding. Planned to go live this week, the crowdfunding service was developed by UK Philanthropy, in partnership with its online giving service, Network for Good. Crowdfunding policies are in place, as is the application process. To date there are no active campaigns.
According to Mike Richey, VP for Philanthropy, Big Blue Crowdfunding will allow donors to give directly to projects they find compelling.
“As Kentucky’s flagship university, UK is ‘dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care,” explained Richey. “While utilizing social media, Big Blue Crowdfunding will advance UK’s mission by supporting programs and initiatives that are meaningful and inspirational to our alumni and friends.”
For members of the UK community, Big Blue Crowdfunding allows for opportunities to create and share online fundraising campaigns with engaged supporters.
“Featured projects must support UK programs and initiatives, have specific goals and be driven by tangible accomplishments,” indicated Sarah Fitzgerald, Associate Director of Annual Giving. “Each project will be hosted on the crowdfunding platform for a pre-determined amount of time, no more than four to six weeks, though some exceptions may apply.”